NEW YORK — Christian hip-hop has made some notable inroads in the last few years, especially in the mainstream market. Popular rapper Lecrae has won Grammy, Stellar, and Dove awards, and he, along with other Christian artists, appear regularly on networks like BET and MTV. Does this mean the movement that emerged in the early '80s as Gospel rap has finally arrived?

The question might be especially relevant after it was reported that recording artists Flame, Lecrae, and others filed a lawsuit against pop singer Katy Perry and Capitol Records for allegedly stealing and "irreparably tarnishing" a 2008 song of theirs titled "Joyful Noise." The rappers claim Perry's "Dark Horse" single released in 2013, infringes on the copyright of their "Christian gospel song," and therefore are demanding an "injunction, damages and the defendants' profits gained from the unauthorized use of "Joyful Noise.'"

Lecrae is arguably the most popular Christian rapper in recent years who has managed to garner cross-over appeal among a mainstream audience. He and his Reach Records label have been credited with opening the doors and providing exposure and a platform for many other artists in the Christian music industry. Andy Mineo, a New York City rapper who is also on Reach Records, has been following in Lecrae's footsteps, with outlets like BET and MTV making much of his latest album and EP releases, Heroes for Sale and Never Land, respectively. more >>

Christian hip hop artists from St. Louis, Missouri, have filed a federal lawsuit against pop artist Katy Perry, arguing her song "Dark Horse" is a copyright infringement of their 2008 gospel song "Joyful Noise."

The Christian group filing the lawsuit includes Marcus Gray, who goes by the stage name "Flame," and his producers Chike Ojukwu, Lecrae Moore and Emanuel Lambert. The plaintiffs argue that Katy Perry, along with Capitol Records, rapper Juicy J, and the producers and songwriters behind the 2013 pop hit are guilty of copyright infringement.

Along with profiting off of the original song, the lawsuit accuses Perry and her production team of changing the reputation of the gospel song. "Dark Horse's" lyrics have been criticized by some as referencing dark magic. more >>

It was supposed to be a tribute to singer Lionel Richie at the BET Awards show on Sunday but by the time renowned gospel singer Yolanda Adams was done belting out the 1980s Commodores hit "Jesus Is Love," many who watched the performance which drew a standing ovation, felt like they were brought to church.

"My GOD @Yolandalive just brought the Holy Ghost to the @BET Awards! #JESUS #BETawards2014," tweeted Grammy-nominated recording artist James Fortune.

"#BETAwards tribute to Lionel Ritchie just went next level. Yolanda Adams had church!" tweeted managing editor of The Grio, Joy-Ann Reid. more >>

Singer and entertainer Demi Lovato told fans at a Los Angeles Pride parade earlier this month that she believed in a God who accepted everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.

"You don't have to hate, because my Jesus loves all," Lovato said before performing her new single "Really Don't Care," a break-up song seemingly rethemed as a Pride anthem.

Lovato's Pride performance is also the setting for the song's recently released music video which opens with footage showing protesters with signs saying "Jesus saves from hell" and "Homo sex is sin." The video also shows excited concert attendees, a "no bullying" message and a lesbian couple kissing. more >>

Beyonce Knowles' pastor Rudy Rasmus praised the singer's charitable work during a recent interview, saying she has made an impact within his ministry because of her "incredible heart."

Beyonce attended St. John's United Methodist Church in Houston before becoming famous and now she and her family continue to donate millions to the church to help the homeless and feed the poor.

"She's an incredible human being. Has an incredible heart and has been extremely helpful in our mission and our ministry here," said Rasmus, reports Houston-based KHOU news. "She has a global platform and is doing some amazing work and I'm glad she's a friend of mine." more >>

Country music artist Lee Brice is planning to step outside his genre to record a Gospel album with his mother as a way to pay homage to his original musical influences.

Brice, known for earning Grammy nominations and other notable accolades despite his short time in the contemporary country music scene, grew up playing Gospel tunes on his aunt's piano and now wants to make the new project a family affair.

"My mom and all her sisters sang gospel music my whole life, and they're amazing. They made a record in Nashville," said Brice, reports Rolling Stone. "I'm going to send a tour bus to pick them all up in South Carolina in July and bring them here to my house, and I'm going to make a new record on them. We're going to sing classic gospel songs and have them sing in the background." more >>